A fine George III Two Handled Tray made in London in 1798 by Crouch & Hannam.

The Tray is oval in form with a raised rim decorated with gadrooning. The two side handles are also decorated with gadrooning and acanthus leaf mouldings, where they are attached to the main body. The centre is engraved with a shield shaped Armorial, with Crest above and Motto below, engraved on a banner. The Tray is very well marked on the reverse. Crouch & Hannam were specialist Tray and Salver makers of fine quality.

The Armorial, Crest and Motto are those of St. Aubyn. Sir John St Aubyn, fifth and last Baronet of Clowance, Co. Cornwall, FRS,FSA,FALS, etc, was born in 1758 and some time in the 1790's he met and thereafter lived as man and wife with Mrs Julia Binicombe. By her he had three sons. He died in 1839, when the Baronetcy became extinct and the ancient family seat and estate at Clowance passed under entail to the nearest legitimate male St. Aubyn. However, Sir John owned extensive unentailed estates which he left to his illegitimate sons. The eldest, Edward, born 1798, was left the St. Michael Mount estates and was subsequently created a baronet of the second creation. His eldest son was created 1st Baronet St. Levans of St. Michael's Mount.